In a significant move to gather information about the actions of the Bondi gunmen, images of Sajid and Naveed Akram will be displayed at over 70 mosques in Davao City, Philippines. This effort comes after the two men allegedly killed 15 people during a shooting in Australia on December 14, 2023. Local Muslim leaders, led by senior Islamic cleric Sheikh Muhammad Yusop Pasigan, are urging community members to report any information regarding the Akram’s activities during their month-long stay in the city.
Sheikh Pasigan, addressing the community on Sunday, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “These men are no good – not good people.” He indicated that images of the accused will be placed above mosque entrances to encourage discussion and reporting. “If there are newcomers at the mosques, we will get their details and identification. If they resist and cause trouble, we will call local emergency number 911,” he added.
Investigation Unfolds
The Philippine National Police is currently investigating the Akrams’ movements during their stay from November 1 to November 28. Reports indicate that the police have obtained a few CCTV images, confirming Sajid Akram’s visit to a local gun shop. Additionally, footage captured the pair jogging and walking near their hotel. A video, initially aired by the ABC, appears to show Naveed Akram out early in the morning.
A police spokesperson declined to comment on a report from News Corp suggesting the presence of two other Sydney men in Davao City during the same timeframe as the Akrams. Davao, while not a traditional tourist destination, attracts Australian visitors, particularly those travelling to surf at nearby Siargao Island.
While Davao is predominantly Catholic, it is also home to a significant Muslim population and has a history of Islamist militant activity. The Akrams were connected to the Islamic State, as evidenced by homemade flags found in the vehicle used during their attack in Australia.
The Philippine government has pushed back against media portrayals of Mindanao as a hotspot for violent extremism, asserting that Islamic State-inspired groups have been weakened and fragmented.
Community Response and Next Steps
At the GV Hotel, where the Akrams spent 27 days, staff reported that the men left their room only briefly each day. If accurate, this suggests they may not have ventured far from the city. Sheikh Pasigan stated he would soon meet with other community leaders to discuss strategies for gathering information about the Akrams.
Regional police director Leon Victor Rosete confirmed that investigators are conducting “backtracking operations” to identify individuals who may have had contact with the Akrams and to explore potential support networks. This multi-faceted investigation underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring safety and accountability in the wake of the tragic events in Australia.
As the Davao community works to piece together the Akrams’ activities, the hope is to prevent further violence and foster a sense of security among residents.
